Care and Usage Pamphlet for Care and Usage... and Care

By Karen Yousaj

1. Prepare the surface you intend to print on. Clean, smooth and flat surfaces will achieve better prints. In some cases, a primer coat may be necessary depending on the surface material.
2. To avoid marks from over-spray, cover the outside edges of the stencil. You may want to cut a rectangular hole in the center of a piece of newspaper and lay it down between your surface and stencil.
3. If so desired, secure your stencil to the intended surface using painter's tape. Strong tapes and spray adhesives work as well, but may damage the stencil. Make sure no portions of the design have been covered, creased or raised during the process.
4. Begin preparing your paint or medium for application. While applying the stencil, keep in mind that any portion that isn't touching flush against the surface might not produce a clean, crisp print, If nedeed, apply the stencil in sections, using your other hand to keep light pressure on the section you’re working on. You may also choose to raise sections for fading and blending techniques.
5. Below is a list of common application techniques. If this information does not answer your questions completely, please feel free to call us directly for further directions at 888.764.6527.      
   • Aerosol Paint - Read directions on can prior to use. For better prints and prolonged stencil life, use flat or satin paints applied with specialty caps (specifically skinny/outliner caps). High gloss paints will prolong the curing process and thin caps will provide more control and constrain the amount of excess paint. Replace nozzle, if so desired. Shake well. Spray the can away from any surfaces until there is a visible flow of paint coming through the nozzle. Using quick passes from left to right, spray the design moving downward releasing the nozzle after each pass. Once you finish, check to make sure you have even paint coverage and use quick bursts of paint to fill those in. Continue applying paint until your desired print is achieved. Keep in mind that excess paint may cause the print to blur and/or dry poorly, as well as decrease life expectancy of the stencil itself. Remove stencil gently, making sure not slide it across the wet design. Let your print dry.
   • Airbrush - Prepare paint for usage as directed. For better prints and prolonged stencil life, use flat or satin paints. High gloss paints will prolong the curing process and allow for faster deterioration. Using quick passes from left to right, spray the design moving downward. Once you finish, check to make sure you have even paint coverage and use quick bursts of paint to fill those in. Continue applying paint until your desired print is achieved. Keep in mind that excess paint may cause the print to blur and/or dry poorly, as well as decrease life expectancy of the stencil itself. Remove stencil gently, making sure not slide it across the wet design. Let your print dry.
   • Rollers - Pour paint into tray or onto a disposable flat surface. Roll the brush through the paint until the roller has a thorough and even coverage, but not dripping with excess. Make sure stencil is securely pressed against the intended surface. Roll paint slowly and evenly across the design section of the stencil. Make sure not to butt the roller against any edges of the stencil that may cause it to bend or break. Continue applying the paint, resaturating the roller as needed, until your desired print is achieved. Excess paint may cause the print to blur and/or dry poorly, as well as decrease life expectancy of the stencil itself.
   • Brushes and Sponges - Pour paint into tray or canister. Dab brush/sponge into paint until there is thorough and even coverage, but not dripping with excess. Make sure stencil is securely pressed against the intended surface. Dab paint gently against the design section of the stencil. Make sure not to cause sections of the stencil to rise or stick to the brush/sponge as the surface may become tacky during application. Continue applying paint, resaturating the brush/sponge as needed, until your desired print is achieved. Excess paint may cause the print to blur and/or dry poorly, as well as decrease life expectancy of the stencil itself.  
6. Allow stencil to dry completely after each application. Keep in mind that the surface of the stencil may feel dry to the touch, but layers of paint underneath it may still be wet. Once the stencil has dried, repeat the procedure until your printing is done.
7. Once you’re done and the stencil has had time to dry completely, store it in a flat, dry place. Press it flat between two other smooth surfaces if possible. Allow it to sit for 24 hours before you begin use again. Enjoy!

Download PDF of Care And Usage